What To Expect

Getting to know each other

In the first meeting we will begin to uncover what’s going on; what you see are your problems, issues and concerns, where are your best opportunities, and get a basic idea of what you want. It’s also a good time to ask any questions you may have about the way I work and for us to find out if working together can help you achieve the outcome you are looking for. While your situation is different to mine, you will find that I understand emotional pain very well. I’ve been there, and I know how horrible it is. That’s why I researched and learned and am constantly refining my skills and techniques. The science of emotional health and happiness is continually evolving, and I am committed to keeping up to date to offer you the most effective strategies.

There is no obligation to proceed following this meeting. You may wish to go away and think about things for a while. If I believe I can help you and you wish to work together, we will arrange a regular weekly appointment which will last 50 minutes, at the same time, on the same day – because this format is proven effective.

The meetings

I am unlike many traditional therapists who make you go on and on to exhaustion reliving all the negative things in your life that have happened to you. Personally, I found all these methods managed to do was reinforce my negative emotions! While the past is important because it has brought you to this point in your life, what matters most is what you want your life to look like, and how to get there. Our meetings will help you break through to see your opportunities for a brighter and happier future more clearly. Choosing the right challenging and realistic goals to work on, you will be focussed on actions that will make the biggest difference. Our meetings are solution-focussed. You will learn tools for life and develop skills to take control of your thinking and stop giving so much control to others. By applying what you learn in our meetings you will increase your effectiveness to help yourself.

Length of therapy

Because each situation is different, you are not locked in to a set number of meetings.Ultimately you will know when your situation has been resolved. Length of therapy depends on several factors including: • How long you’ve had the difficulties • The severity of your situation • Your effort during and between meetings in learning and practicing your new skills.

At the beginning of each meeting we will assess your progress. Some people come with a very specific concern that can be addressed in just a few sessions, whereas others come with more long term, deeply-rooted issues. I work on an open-ended basis which means that together, we will regularly look at how you are progressing and agree when you feel ready to bring your counselling / therapy to an end.